PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The University of Trisakti reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by hosting a seminar titled “EUDR: Navigating Multi-Commodity Challenges and Fostering Sustainable Business Practices” on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Hall of Directorate, 12th Floor.
The event focused on the crucial topic of the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), which will be implemented in 2025.
Over 100 participants from diverse sectors—including companies, government officials, CSR managers, academics, and sustainability practitioners—gathered to explore and share insights on how industries in Indonesia, such as palm oil, wood, rubber, coffee, and cocoa, can prepare for the EUDR.
Also Read: Trisakti University CECT Sustainability Becomes Indonesia’s First University to Join RSPO
Prof. Kadarsah Suryadi, Director of the University of Trisakti, emphasized the institution’s dedication not only to education but also to fostering discussions on global issues like sustainability. “With our vision to be ‘One Stop Learning for Sustainable Development,’ the University of Trisakti is committed to supporting every initiative aligned with sustainable development goals,” Suryadi stated in an official statement to Palmoilmagazine.com.
Meanwhile, Expert Staff in Connectivity, Service Development, and Natural Resources, Coordinator Ministry in Economy, Musdhalifah Machmud said that Indonesia, Malaysia, and European Union came to a conclusion to establish Ad Hoc Joint Task Force to deal with every challenge that would come in EUDR implementation. “We would do the best to get the best solution so the regulation would be a burden for our industries,” she emphasized.
Also Read: Achieving Palm Oil Traceability through Sustainable Standards
On the other hand, Deputy Director of Market Transformation, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), M. Windrawan Inantha said that it would be significant to discuss supply chain traceability. For himself, the capability to trace down the origin of palm oil products to every consumer in Europe would be the key to maintaining competitiveness from Indonesia to many countries. “This would be not only about regulation but also about how to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Not only from the government and international scale organizations, but some companies also delivered their thoughts, Head of Sustainability, PT Wilmar International, Pujuh Kurniawan, shared the experiences of how the company prepared itself to face some regulations, such as EUDR. Having a transparent supply chain, the company hoped to be a role model for other industries.
But the challenges to face EUDR implementation would be not as simple as many did think. Amalia Zuhra, environmental legal expert of University of Trisakti said that it would be significant to harmonize every regulation between Indonesia and European Union. “We have to confirm that every law would be in harmony in national and international scale, without raising conflicts,” Amalia said.
In the end of the seminar, the participants came to a conclusion that supply chain traceability, policy adaptation, and harmonious regulation would be the main challenges that Indonesia should face. Even though it would be tough, the collaboration among the government, companies, and academy, should be getting the solution. (P2)
